US7537155B2 - Automated will call system - Google Patents
Automated will call system Download PDFInfo
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- US7537155B2 US7537155B2 US11/698,726 US69872607A US7537155B2 US 7537155 B2 US7537155 B2 US 7537155B2 US 69872607 A US69872607 A US 69872607A US 7537155 B2 US7537155 B2 US 7537155B2
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- prescription
- retriever
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- storage
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/045—Storage devices mechanical in a circular arrangement, e.g. towers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/12—Storage devices mechanical with separate article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the articles being books, documents, forms or the like
- B65G1/127—Storage devices mechanical with separate article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the articles being books, documents, forms or the like the circuit being confined in a vertical plane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
- G06Q20/203—Inventory monitoring
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
- G07F11/50—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted
- G07F11/54—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about vertical axes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0042—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for hiring of objects
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
- G16H20/10—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
- G16H20/13—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to will call systems for the storage and retrieval of items.
- the invention is directed to the improved management of the storage and retrieval of items through the use of an automated will call system.
- Will call systems and automated storage and retrieval systems are widely used to store, retrieve, and dispense articles.
- a benefit of such systems is in the speed and efficiency with which items can be stored, retrieved, and dispensed.
- automation has primarily been reserved for the vending machine and central warehouse environments.
- Those patents disclose high volume prescription filling systems, but the systems disclosed do not address the problems related to the pick-up of completed prescriptions, where prescriptions could be misplaced, never picked up, or, even worse, dispensed to the wrong patient.
- Hard copy prescriptions are physically brought to the pharmacy by the patient or the patient's representative. The patient either waits for the prescription (or, “script”) to be filled, or drops off the script and returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription.
- a doctor or the doctor's representative phones in a new prescription to the local pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has been filled.
- a patient or the patient's representative brings in a previously filled prescription that is renewable or otherwise requests that a renewable prescription be refilled. This request may be made in person or over the phone. For those prescriptions physically brought into the pharmacy, the patient either waits for the prescription to be refilled, or drops off the prescription and returns at a later time to retrieve the refilled prescription.
- Prescriptions can be placed in the wrong bin or tray for pickup. Time is lost looking for a prescription that has been misfiled. When prescriptions are misfiled, the productivity of pharmacy personnel is reduced, the patient faces increased waiting time, and, in extreme cases, the prescription has to be filled a second time (double fill). In high customer demand periods, this can be extremely disruptive and expensive.
- unclaimed prescriptions present a problem.
- An increasing number of prescriptions presented to the pharmacy for dispensing are never picked up by the patient.
- the pharmacy staff may not necessarily know that a patient has not picked up a prescription and/or does not have the time to call the patient to provide as many reminders as necessary to have the prescription picked up. This lack of a means to remind the patient that a prescription is ready for pickup increases the likelihood that it will never be picked up at all and, therefore, never sold.
- unclaimed prescriptions accumulate, they can clog pick up locations and slow down retrieval and increase patient waiting time. They can also represent a loss of revenue to the pharmacy, since medications already dispensed cannot be reused and, if not picked up, constitute waste.
- the present invention remedies the above disadvantages through automated electronic monitoring of the storage and retrieval of the filled prescriptions.
- the present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the management of the storage and removal of items, especially, although not necessarily, filled prescriptions.
- the present invention provides an efficient and accurate will call function by optimizing the storage of items and by electronically tracking the insertion and removal of items.
- the automated will call system of the invention tracks the items stored within the system with “absolute confirmation,” ensuring that items are inserted and retrieved correctly. The location of stored items is maintained in a memory until the items are removed. Accordingly, there is a reduction in the potential for errors. There is also a reduction in the dispensing of incomplete orders from the will call system by grouping the items according to user-created criteria.
- the invention provides high density storage for items by using storage cabinets configured to occupy a minimum of floor space, while providing large storage volume.
- the invention also provides for reminders to be automatically sent to patients to pick up items that remain in the will call system for a user-specified time period, permitting the user to use staff time more productively.
- an automatic purge process facilitates the removal of items that have remained within the will call system for a user-specified time.
- System diagnostic functions provide a way of evaluating the efficiency of the system and user personnel, which helps to lower will call operating costs.
- the present invention is an automated will call system for the management of the storage and retrieval of items, comprising at least one of each of an input source, a storage unit, a user work station, and an article sensor, all in communication with a controller.
- the controller receives identification data associated with an item to be stored within the system, and stores the identification data in memory.
- the controller assigns the item a unique storage location within the storage unit.
- the controller Upon sensing insertion of the item into the unique storage location, by the article sensor, the controller maintains the unique storage location in memory.
- the controller deletes the unique location from memory.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view, in simplified form, of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the invention of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates one form of a storage unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates another form of a storage unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for the storage unit shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for the storage unit shown in FIG. 4 , showing “absolute confirmation” sensing of articles in the storage location.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a third form of storage unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which plural storage units as in shown in FIG. 6 are grouped together.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the “absolute confirmation” sensing of articles in a storage location.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a safety sensor for the storage unit shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a tote for holding articles, which can be used with the storage unit shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 11A illustrates another embodiment of the “absolute confirmation” sensing of articles in a storage location, in which the light source emits diffuse light throughout the storage location.
- FIG. 11B illustrates that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A the reflector is the item itself.
- an automated will call system 10 includes a controller 12 , at least one storage unit 14 , at least one user work station 16 , and an optional refrigerator 18 and an optional secure storage unit 20 .
- the individual elements of the system are in communication with one another via communication links represented by the solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the lines may be considered to represent hard-wired connections, or optical or wireless connections, as may be desired.
- the controller 12 provides all of the command and control functions for the will call system 10 , and manages and tracks the movement of items within the system, i.e., their placement into and removal from the system.
- the controller 12 may be a stand alone device, such as a PC, or may be embedded within the system, such as at a user work station 16 or even within a storage unit 14 .
- the controller 12 includes a memory to store all received information from outside the system (as will be described in more detail below), as well as the locations of all stored items and length of time each item has been in the system.
- the storage unit 14 provides a plurality of storage locations for items. At least one opening on the storage unit provides access to the storage locations.
- the storage locations may be oriented in rows or in columns, and may be moveable to positions providing a user access to the storage locations (as will be described in more detail below).
- the user work station 16 provides a site for user and customer interaction with the controller 12 , such as the input of item identifying data 98 to identify a particular prescription or prescriptions.
- User work station 16 may include a card reader 17 associated with it, which can read identifying data 98 from a card swiped through the card reader by a pharmacy clerk or by the customer.
- the user work station may comprise interactive inputs/outputs such as a monitor and keyboard, scanner, bar code reader, touch screen, voice recognition system, printer, and the like.
- a plurality of user work stations 16 may be provided within the automated will call system, permitting multiple insertions and removals simultaneously at a plurality of storage units 14 . They need not be side-by-side as illustrated, but may be remote from one another.
- An optional refrigerator 18 for the storage of items requiring refrigeration and an optional secure storage unit 20 for secure storage of valuable or controlled items, such as Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule C2 medications, are in communication with the controller.
- Associated with the refrigerator and secure unit are a series of lights 22 coded to correspond to the user work stations 16 .
- the refrigerator and secure storage each have at least one user interface button 82 , which permits pharmacy personnel to send a signal to the controller which represents the completion of an insertion or removal operation at the designated refrigerator or secure storage unit.
- a work flow coordinator in communication with the controller, comprises a network of indicators for guiding the user.
- the work flow coordinator may comprise either audible or visible indications, or both for the user.
- the indications may be in the form of a voice recording directing the user.
- the work flow coordinator preferably comprises incandescent lights 22 , 78 disposed on the storage units to guide the user.
- the controller 12 receives identification information associated with an item to be stored within the system, and stores that information in memory.
- the memory may reside within the controller, within a storage unit 14 , another PC, the host system 76 , or any other system.
- the identification information may be received in any convenient manner, such as from a pharmacy management system or through direct entry by the user.
- the direct entry includes any form of input/output found at the user work station 16 or storage unit 14 .
- Identifying indicia on the exterior of an item is entered into the system.
- the identifying indicia may be entered in any convenient manner, such as sensing the indicia on the item through use of a scanner at a user work station 16 or at a storage unit 14 , or through direct entry by the user.
- the controller Upon sensing identifying indicia on an item intended for storage within the system, the controller correlates the identification information with the identifying indicia and assigns the item a unique storage location within the storage unit.
- a sensor Upon user insertion of an item into the unique storage location assigned by the controller, a sensor senses the item insertion and signals the controller. The controller maintains the unique storage location and time of insertion in memory. When it is desired to remove an item from the system, the controller retrieves the unique storage location from memory. Upon sensing the removal of the item from its storage location, the controller deletes the unique location from memory.
- All of the embodiments of the invention have at least one storage unit comprising at least one storage location.
- One embodiment of storage unit employs open shelves, while two other embodiments, one using a conveyor and the other a carousel, have an enclosed cabinet comprising a door or front panel.
- the conveyor and carousel embodiments have access openings which permit access to a selected number of storage locations. In the case of the conveyor embodiment, the opening permits access to a single row of storage locations, with more than one storage location accessible. In the case of the carousel, the opening permits access to multiple rows of storage locations, but only one storage location per row, i.e., a column.
- User interface buttons may be provided on all the storage unit embodiments to enable a pharmacy clerk to confirm the completion of insertion and removal procedures (as will be described in more detail below). This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2 .
- the user interface buttons may be “virtual” buttons, located on a computer screen or a touch screen.
- the storage unit is in the form of an open cabinet 15 including a plurality of shelves 19 .
- Each shelf comprises a row of storage locations 13 defined by walls 21 .
- the walls may be either fixed or movable; preferably, but not necessarily, the shelves are fixed in position.
- a scanner 50 may be attached to the cabinet 15 , providing means for pharmacy personnel to input item identifying data into the system.
- An article sensor may also be attached proximate each storage location, confirming storage or retrieval of an item.
- the article sensor comprises a light source, a reflector and a photo-detector, arranged so that a light beam emitted from the light source passes through the storage location and reflects off of the reflector back to the photo-detector, adjacent the light source.
- the reflector may be a reflector strip, reflecting tape, a reflecting coating on a surface, or the like.
- a work flow coordinator is provided on the cabinet 15 , and may include a row of lights 78 atop the cabinet and an indicator 80 proximate each storage location 13 .
- the indicator 80 provides guidance to the user as to which storage location to use for an insertion or retrieval procedure.
- FIG. 4 Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 has a storage unit comprising a cabinet 26 housing a conveyor 28 .
- the conveyor 28 may be disposed in various configurations, but is preferably oriented vertically.
- the conveyor is rotated by item transport means 31 , which may be a drive motor, chain, pulley system, pneumatic device, or the like.
- the conveyor rotates a plurality of storage locations 36 to a position permitting user access via window 30 .
- the window 30 is sized so as to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at the same time, preferably one row of storage locations 36 at a time.
- the conveyor 28 may comprise a plurality of rows 32 , each being divided by walls 34 (which may be fixed or movable) which include a plurality of moveable slot members 34 .
- the slot members 34 define the storage locations or slots 36 .
- an opening 38 is provided on the rear wall 40 of each slot 36 .
- An article sensor 23 comprising a light source 24 , is disposed in the interior of the conveyor such that light from the light source 24 passes through the rear wall opening 38 in each slot 36 .
- a reflector 25 is attached to the rear face of the cabinet front panel 42 at the bottom of window 30 , generally opposite the light source.
- a light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location and reflects off the reflector 25 , back to a photo-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24 .
- At least one user interface button is provided to generate a signal to represent various functions of the automated will-call system including: procedure complete, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator storage, and secure storage.
- a plurality of user interface buttons 46 are shown as being located on the counter 48 of cabinet 26 .
- the user interface buttons may be actual electromechanical devices, or they may be “virtual” buttons, such as on a touch screen, or may be located remote from the storage unit, such as at the user work station 16 . More or fewer user interface buttons may be used, as desired.
- a scanner 50 attached to the cabinet 26 provides means for pharmacy personnel to easily input item identifying data into the system.
- Scanner 50 may scan bar coded data on or associated with an item.
- another embodiment of the present invention has a storage unit in the form of an enclosed cabinet 52 , having a front panel or door 53 , and having at least one carousel 54 contained in the cabinet 52 .
- the door 53 includes at least one opening 55 therethrough, which provides access to storage locations on the carousel.
- the openings are sized to permit access to a preselected number of slots at the same time, preferably only one slot per carousel at a time.
- the carousel 54 may vary in size and shape, but preferably the carousel is cylindrical and oriented to rotate about a vertical axis, as in a lazy-Susan design.
- a drive means 60 preferably disposed on a shelf 62 above the carousel 54 , rotates the carousel about its vertical axis.
- the drive means may be a drive motor, such as a stepper motor, or the like.
- the carousel may include a plurality of vertically stacked trays 56 . Each tray has a plurality of storage locations, preferably in the shape of pie-shaped slots 58 circumferentially spaced and surrounding a central shaft 61 .
- the slots 58 are defined by walls 64 , which may be fixed or movable.
- Each vertically stacked tray 56 may be permitted to rotate independently of the others.
- the vertical stacking of the trays permits a small footprint while maintaining a high density storage cabinet. For example, a 30′′ wide by 30′′ deep cabinet of nominal height would house 144 pie-shaped slots of sufficient size to house normal size prescriptions.
- each pie-shaped slot 58 includes a reflector 25 at the bottom rear of the slot
- a light source 24 is located just above each opening 55 , preferably although not necessarily on the inside of the door 53 .
- An article sensor 23 including the light source 24 , a reflector 25 and a photo-detector 27 , preferably located next to light source 24 , transmits signals from the article sensor to the controller, representative of either insertion or removal of an item into or from a storage location.
- the light source 24 , reflector 25 , and photo-detector 27 are all arranged and oriented so that a light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location, reflects off the reflector 25 , and returns to the photo-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24 .
- FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the article sensor 123 comprises a light source 124 that differs from those in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and B.
- source 124 diffuses light into a pattern 144 that fills the space of the pie-shaped slot 158 .
- the object 150 acts as a reflector. The reflection of the light back to the photo-detector 127 is accomplished when the object 150 , which is reflecting, is introduced into the light-diffused space. The photo-detector 127 detects light reflected from object 150 when the object to be stored is placed in the storage location.
- This detection technique is more effective at shorter distances between the light source and the target, and where a larger volume of space may be covered. Consequently, the distance from the light source to the target is generally shorter than in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and B.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B The underlying principle of the automatic confirmation embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is the same as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- the controller senses the presence or absence of an object in the bin relative to the presence or absence of reflected light. The difference between these embodiments is in the action of the reflecting means.
- a discrete reflector is always present between the light source and the photo-detector whereas, in the embodiment of FIG. 11 , the removable stored object acts as a reflector.
- the controller confirms the presence of an object in the bin by determining an absence of reflected light. That is to say, the stored object blocks the transmission of light to the reflector.
- the controller interprets that as the presence of a stored object.
- the controller confirms the presence of an object in the bin by determining the presence of reflected light.
- the diffused light from the light source is reflected back to the detector by the object itself, which the controller interprets as the presence of a stored object. If the reflected, diffused light does not exceed a threshold value, the controller interprets this as an absence of an item in the storage location.
- a bulk storage area 70 provides a place for the storage of items that do not fit into the slots 58 .
- a light 72 on the bulk storage area prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert or remove items from the bulk storage area, when necessary.
- scanner 74 may be a bar code scanner.
- At least one user interface button 68 is located on the cabinet 52 , preferably on the door 53 .
- User interface buttons 68 may be provided to represent one or more functions of the system including: procedure done, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator, and secure storage, as will be described in more detail below.
- the user interface buttons provide a way for a pharmacy clerk to indicate the completion of an insertion or retrieval of an item from a storage location.
- the user interface buttons represent various functions of the will call system, including: procedure complete (DONE), next available storage location (NEXT), bulk storage (BULK), refrigerator storage (REFRIGERATOR), and secure storage (SECURE).
- the user interface buttons can be used during both storage and retrieval operations. Additional user interface buttons may be provided to represent as many functions as deemed necessary.
- the DONE button provides an indication to the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by the pharmacy clerk. Pressing the DONE button is necessary where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 that a procedure has been performed. Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70 , the refrigerator 18 , or secure storage 20 . If only one user interface button is provided on a storage unit, it is preferably the DONE button.
- the NEXT button provides indication to the controller 12 that the controller designated storage location currently already contains too many items to accommodate an item intended for that location.
- Depression of the BULK button provides indication to the controller 12 that an item is too large to fit into the designated storage location and that the controller should designate a bulk storage area 70 for storage of the item.
- the user Upon insertion of the item into the designated bulk area, the user will press the DONE button, as stated above.
- the REFRIGERATOR and SECURE button are used in the same manner as the BULK button.
- the user presses the intended button, instructing the controller 12 to change the designated storage location to either a refrigerator 18 or secure storage unit 20 .
- the user Upon insertion of the item into the designated storage location, the user will press the DONE button, as stated above.
- the work flow coordinator in communication with the controller 12 , comprises a network of indicators to provide guidance to the user.
- the work flow coordinator may include audible or visible indications, or both, for the pharmacy personnel to follow.
- the work flow coordinator comprises a network of lights including at least one light 78 attached to each storage unit and at least one light 80 proximate each storage unit opening.
- the lights are located to be easily visible to pharmacy personnel.
- the lights 78 preferably comprise a row of lights attached proximate the top of the storage unit.
- the number of lights in the row 78 is preferably equal to the number of user work stations 16 in the system, in addition to at least one error light.
- the lights may be illuminated steadily or may blink in a predetermined pattern, and the lights may be any shape or color, and may be color coded to correspond to designated user work stations 16 .
- the controller 12 will activate the work flow coordinator, illuminating the row of lights 78 on the storage unit and the light 80 proximate the designated storage location to guide the user for both insertion and retrieval procedure from a designated storage location. Upon sensing completion of the procedure, the controller 12 will deactivate the work flow coordinator.
- the operation of the automated will call system is described as being used for management of prescriptions in a pharmacy setting.
- the users are pharmacy personnel who include pharmacists, technicians, and clerks.
- the invention is not limited to a particular use and is applicable to the storage and retrieval of items in addition to prescriptions.
- the prescription dispensing process begins with hard copy prescription requests brought to the pharmacy by the patient or the patient's representative.
- the patient drops off the script and returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription.
- a doctor or the doctor's representative phones a prescription request into the pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has been filled.
- the system receives patient and prescription identification information 84 to be stored within the automated will call system.
- the identification information is received at the controller 12 .
- the identification information 84 may be sent via common communication methods from a host system 76 , i.e., a pharmacy management system, or entered by pharmacy personnel using interactive input/output units at the user work station 16 or the storage unit 14 .
- the identification information received includes: an order number, patient name, address, phone number, time/date, prescription number, patient identification number, refrigeration required, controlled drug, national drug code (NDC) number, non-grouping flag, or the like.
- the identification information is stored in memory.
- the prescriptions are filled by the pharmacist and placed into bags; the bags are then placed into bins or trays. Alternatively, the prescriptions are filled off-site and shipped to the pharmacy in bins or trays.
- the filled or partially filled prescriptions, now ready for storage within the automated will call system, are received by pharmacy personnel. Periodically, pharmacy personnel take the bins or trays to the automated will call system to insert the prescriptions for later retrieval for or by customers.
- the pharmacy personnel enter the identifying data 98 on the prescription into the automated will call system.
- the identifying data may be entered at the user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or if the prescriptions are bar-coded, as is preferred, through use of a scanner, preferably through a scanner located at the storage unit 14 .
- the identifying data is correlated, by the controller 12 , with other pertinent information such as identification information 84 received from the host system.
- the controller 12 scans for a match with the identification information currently stored in a memory, either its local memory or a remote memory such as at a host computer 76 .
- the controller searches for a match of information such as the patient name, address, phone number, and patient identification number. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storage location for the prescription as the matched prescriptions currently stored in the system. If no match is found, the controller assigns a unique storage location for the prescription to be placed in the system.
- the controller 12 preferably designates the closest available storage location for the prescription rather than a predetermined position, thus reducing prescription placement processing time. The designation of the closest available storage location also reduces the required rotation of the item transport means in the conveyor 26 and carousel 52 embodiments.
- Prescription grouping may be performed by the system, wherein grouping parameters are designated by the system user, based on any identification information stored in memory.
- grouping parameters are designated by the system user, based on any identification information stored in memory.
- prescriptions are grouped by family, using the patient last name and address. Grouping enables the patient to pick up all prescriptions for the patient and other family members at one time.
- the controller 12 scans the memory for a match of patient last name and address with the identification information of patient prescriptions currently stored in the system. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storage location for the prescriptions as the matched family prescriptions currently stored in the system.
- a flag may optionally be activated in the automated will call system, preventing automatic grouping for specific patients or scripts.
- the non-grouping flag may be an audible or visual indication to the pharmacy personnel to not group a specific prescription with others. The indication may emanate from the user work station as an audible signal or a visual signal on a user work station monitor, or a visual indication placed directly on the prescription.
- the non-grouping flag is included in the identification information 84 received by the controller 12 and stored in memory. During the matching of identifying data with identification information procedure, if a non-grouping flag is found with the matched patient name and address, the controller 12 will automatically assign a unique storage location for the prescription, and grouping will not take place.
- the controller Upon controller designation of a storage location, the controller activates the system work flow coordinator. Upon activation of the work flow coordinator, the lights 78 on the designated storage unit illuminate, designating that a storage operation is in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit. A light 80 proximate an opening of the storage unit permitting access to the designated storage location illuminates, prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription into the designated storage location. The pharmacy personnel then inserts the prescription into the storage location proximate the illuminated light 80 .
- the controller signals the designated storage unit drive means to move the designated storage location to a position that permits user access to the location.
- the drive means 31 rotates the rows of storage locations 32 on the conveyor until the row containing the designated location is proximate the window opening 30 .
- the drive means 60 upon receipt of a signal the drive means 60 , disposed on a shelf 62 above the carousel 54 , rotates the carousel of vertically stacked trays to provide access to the designated slot through one of the openings 55 .
- the work flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription and, if applicable, the drive means has stopped rotating the storage locations, the pharmacy clerk inserts the prescription into the designated storage location.
- An article sensor 23 adjacent the designated storage location and in communication with the controller 12 , detects the insertion of the prescription into the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the activity. As shown in FIGS. 5A , 5 B, 8 A and 8 B, when a prescription is placed within a storage location, the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 is blocked, thus preventing the reflection of the light beam off of the reflecting means 25 back to the photo-detector 27 . The article sensor 23 , in response to the light beam being blocked, sends a signal to the controller representative of a prescription being placed in a storage location. Upon receipt of the signal at the controller that an article has been inserted, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78 and 80 , and stores the location of the inserted prescription in the memory. The automated will call system is now ready for another operation.
- the pharmacy personnel If pharmacy personnel find a prescription already in the designated storage location, such as when adding a prescription to a group, the pharmacy personnel remove the current prescription from the storage location.
- the article sensor 23 detects removal of the prescription from the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the activity. The pharmacy clerk then inserts the “new” prescription and the “prior” prescription back into the same designated storage location at the same time.
- the article sensor 23 detects the insertion of the “new” and “prior” prescriptions.
- the article sensor sends a signal to the controller representative of the prescriptions being placed into the storage location. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, and stores the location of the inserted prescriptions in the memory.
- the pharmacy clerk presses the NEXT user interface button on the storage unit.
- a signal is sent to the controller 12 instructing the controller that the designated storage location currently has too many prescriptions to accommodate the intended item.
- the controller scans the memory and designates the closest available storage location for the placement of the prescription.
- the controller activates the work flow coordinator and item transport means of the designated storage unit, guiding the pharmacy personnel to the new designated storage location.
- the pharmacy clerk then inserts the prescription into the new designated storage location.
- the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator and stores the new designated storage location in the memory.
- the pharmacy clerk presses the BULK user interface button.
- a signal is sent to the controller informing the controller that the prescription is too large to fit into the designated storage location and instructing the controller to select a bulk area storage location for the prescription.
- the controller designates a bulk area location and illuminates a light 72 adjacent the designated bulk area 70 , prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription.
- the pharmacy clerk then inserts the prescription into the designated bulk storage area.
- the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button on the storage unit containing the bulk area, confirming completion of the bulk area placement.
- a signal is sent to the controller in response to pressing the DONE button, instructing the controller to store the designated bulk storage location of the prescription in memory and deactivate the work flow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72 .
- the pharmacy clerk presses the REFRIGERATOR user interface button on the designated storage unit.
- the controller selects an available refrigerator 18 .
- the controller 12 activates the work flow coordinator on the selected refrigerator 18 , illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selected refrigerator.
- the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button 82 on the refrigerator, signaling the controller that the insertion of the refrigeration prescription is complete.
- the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22 , and stores the refrigeration storage location of the prescription in the memory.
- the pharmacy personnel presses the SECURE user interface button on the designated storage unit.
- the controller selects an available secure storage unit 20 .
- the controller 12 activates the work flow coordinator on the secure storage unit, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selected secure storage.
- the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button 82 on the secure storage unit, signaling the controller that the insertion of the secure prescription is complete.
- the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22 , and stores the secure storage location of the prescription in the memory.
- the controller 12 activates an error signal.
- This error signal may be audible or visible, or preferably both.
- an error light is illuminated and an audible alarm is activated on the storage unit.
- the error signal remains active until the prescription is removed from the incorrect location.
- the controller 12 Upon removal of the incorrectly placed prescription, the controller 12 returns the work flow coordinator to the status of instructing the pharmacy personnel to place the prescription in the correct designated storage location.
- the incorrect storage location may be denoted by the blinking of light 80 proximate said storage location.
- pharmacy personnel initiate the prescription retrieval procedure by entering identifying information about the patient or the prescription to be retrieved.
- the identifying information may include the patient name, patient identification number, shopper card, retinal scan of the patient, finger print, or the like.
- the identifying information may be entered by patients themselves or by pharmacy personnel at a user work station 16 , using the keyboard, scanner, or card reader 17 .
- the controller In response to receiving the identify information, the controller scans the memory for a match with the received information. Upon finding at least one match, the controller may transmit the matched data to the user work station 16 for display to pharmacy personnel.
- the matched data will be information such as patient name, address, and phone number.
- Pharmacy personnel may select one of the displayed matches, corresponding to the specific patient and specific prescription(s) for retrieval. The selection of the prescription for retrieval may occur through entry on a keyboard, touch screen, voice recognition, or the like.
- the controller 12 either displays the non-grouped prescription at the user work station with a non-grouping indication or, preferably does not display the non-grouped prescription at all.
- the non-group indication may be an audible or a visible indication on the display at the user work station 16 .
- the non-grouped prescription may be retrieved only by the individual patient or the patient's pre-designated representative.
- the controller 12 retrieves the designated location of the selected prescription(s) from the memory and activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drive means of the designated storage unit.
- the work flow coordinator Upon activation of the work flow coordinator, at least one of the lights 78 on the designated storage unit illuminates, designating a prescription retrieval activity in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit.
- one of the lights 78 color coded to the user work station 16 where the retrieval was initiated, is illuminated.
- a light 80 proximate the opening of the storage unit permitting access to the designated storage location illuminates, prompting the pharmacy personnel to remove the prescription from that designated storage location. The pharmacy clerk then removes the prescription from the storage location proximate the illuminated light 80 .
- the controller signals the designated storage unit drive means to move the designated storage location to a position which permits user access to the storage location.
- the drive means 31 rotates the rows of storage locations 32 on the conveyor until the row containing the designated storage location is proximate the window opening 30 .
- the drive means 60 rotates the carousel of vertically stacked trays until access to the designated storage slot is permitted, through one of the openings 55 .
- the article sensor 23 adjacent the designated storage location and in communication with the controller 12 , detects the removal of the prescription from the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confining the removal. As shown in FIGS. 5A , 5 B, 8 A and 8 B, when a prescription is removed from a storage location, the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 is no longer blocked by the prescription, and is permitted to reflect off of the reflecting means 25 back to the photo-detector 27 .
- the article sensor 23 in response to the light beam reflecting back to the photo-detector, sends a signal to the controller representative of a prescription being removed from a storage location.
- the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78 and 80 , and deletes the location of the retrieved prescription from the memory.
- the automated will call system is now ready for another activity.
- the controller identifies the current storage location(s) permitting user access therein, and then activates the drive means to rotate the storage locations to permit access to the closest designated storage location containing the multiple prescriptions to be retrieved.
- the article sensor 23 detects removal of the first prescription from the storage location, a signal is sent to the controller confirming the first retrieval.
- the controller then activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drive means, to provide access to the designated storage location of the second prescription to be retrieved. This process is repeated until all selected prescriptions have been retrieved.
- the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, and deletes the locations of the retrieved prescriptions from the memory. If pharmacy personnel find more than one prescription in the designated storage location, the pharmacy clerk removes all prescriptions from the storage location.
- the controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating light 72 on the appropriate bulk area 70 , directing the pharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the designated bulk storage area.
- the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button on the bulk storage unit, confirming completion of the retrieval.
- a signal is sent to the controller in response to depression of the DONE button, instructing the controller to delete the bulk storage location from the memory and deactivate the work flow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72 .
- the controller activates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate refrigerator 18 , illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to remove the prescription from the refrigerator.
- the clerk then removes the prescription, and presses the DONE user interface button 82 on the refrigerator, signaling the controller that removal of the refrigeration prescription is complete.
- the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22 , and deletes the refrigeration storage location from the memory.
- the controller activates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate secure storage unit, illuminating light 22 , directing the pharmacy clerk to remove the prescription from the secure storage unit.
- the clerk then removes the prescription, and presses the DONE user interface button 82 on the secure storage unit, signaling the controller that the retrieval of the secure prescription is complete.
- the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22 , and deletes the secure storage location from the memory.
- pharmacy personnel may program the controller to prioritize access to the retrieval locations.
- retrieval of prescriptions from the refrigerator 18 and secure storage unit 20 are initiated by the controller 12 before retrievals from the storage units 14 , i.e., pick-to-light shelf, conveyor, and carousel. This is to ensure that pharmacy personnel do not forget to retrieve those prescriptions.
- the controller may prioritize other will call functions. For example, retrieval of a prescription preferably will take precedence over the storage of a prescription. Thus, if a prescription needs to be retrieved while others are being inserted, the system will permit insertions already in process to be completed, but will place further insertions on hold until the retrieval operation has been completed.
- the controller 12 activates an error signal.
- This error signal may be audible or visual, or both. For example, upon removal of a prescription from the wrong location, an error light is illuminated and an audible alarm is activated on the storage unit. The error signal remains active until the improperly removed prescription is replaced in its correct location.
- the controller 12 Upon replacement of the incorrectly removed prescription, the controller 12 returns the work flow coordinator to the status of directing the pharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the correct designated storage location.
- the incorrect storage location may be denoted by the blinking of light 80 proximate said storage location.
- the present invention may also provide capabilities to permit modification of the performance of the system, and monitoring of system functions and the performance of pharmacy personnel.
- the capabilities may include reminders to patients, purging of old prescriptions, and system diagnostics.
- the system may automatically communicate with patients to remind them that their prescription is ready for pick-up. Since many prescriptions are called in and processed through a host system, such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, the present invention tracks the date and time a prescription is entered into the system, and stored within a storage unit.
- IVR Interactive Voice Response
- prescriptions enter the system by pharmacy personnel entering identifying data 98 related to the prescription.
- the identifying data is entered at the user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or through use of a scanner.
- the controller stores the prescription entry time in memory. After prescriptions have remained in the system a predetermined period of time, the system may automatically call the patient to remind the patient that the prescription is ready for pick-up.
- the controller 12 automatically sends electronic reminder signals 100 to the host IVR unit 76 , which in turn, places an automated call to the patient to provide a reminder that the prescription is ready for pick-up.
- Pharmacy personnel may specify the time period prescriptions must remain in the system before a reminder signal is sent, by entering the time period at a user work station 16 or other computer terminal in communication with the system.
- the reminder signal 100 parameters may be chosen as that reminders are sent after a preselected length of time, repeatedly sent at a user specified time interval, or sent a user specified number of times.
- pharmacy personnel may prompt the controller to print out a listing of the patients, and their phone numbers, who have prescriptions remaining in the system longer than the specified period, allowing pharmacy personnel to call personally and remind the patients to pick up their prescriptions.
- a purge process may be performed to remove prescriptions that have remained unclaimed in the system.
- the purge process initiated by pharmacy personnel at the user work station, prompts the controller 12 to identify all prescriptions that have been in the system longer than a user specified time period.
- the controller 12 scans its memory and retrieves the storage location of all prescriptions that have been in the system for longer than the time period specified by the pharmacy personnel. The controller then signals the system to guide the pharmacy personnel to the storage location closest to a storage unit opening with a prescription to be removed.
- the controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating lights 78 on the designated storage unit and illuminating light 80 proximate the designated storage opening. Prior to illumination of the lights 80 , if applicable, the controller signals the designated storage unit item transport means to move the designated storage location to a position that permits user access to said storage location. Pharmacy personnel remove the prescription in response to the system prompts. Once the unclaimed prescription is removed, the system immediately deactivates the currently activated work flow coordinator, and then activates the work flow coordinator and item transport means of the storage unit containing the next prescription to be purged. The system repeats this process in a continuous manner until all unclaimed prescriptions designated to be purged have been removed from the system. Prescriptions removed from the bulk storage, refrigerator, or secure storage are preferably scanned by a scanner, retrieving identifying information and sending it to the controller 12 for deletion of the prescription location from memory.
- the purge process is preferably performed periodically when prescription insertion and retrieval operations are least active, e.g., when the pharmacy is closed.
- System self-test diagnostics may be initiated by pharmacy personnel, causing the controller to perform a series of routines to test the system functions and hardware.
- the tests may prompt the user to perform an action, e.g., ask the user to provide visual confirmation that all lights in the work flow coordinator illuminate.
- a re-synchronization process permits pharmacy personnel to verify that there is a prescription in a slot that is supposed to have a prescription and verify that there is no prescription in a slot that is not supposed to have a prescription.
- the re-synchronization is typically performed when will call activity is at its lowest.
- the system may print out a report of activity in the system (storage and retrievals).
- pharmacy personnel may manually manipulate the storage units to inspect the storage locations and verify that prescriptions are in their proper location.
- the printouts may be automatically printed at user selected time intervals so that in the event of an emergency, such as if power is lost, pharmacy personnel may use the printouts to manually operate the will call system.
- the door 53 of a cabinet 52 containing the carousel 54 may be manually opened and the carousel manually rotated, permitting access to desired storage locations, thus allowing the will call process to continue in the absence of electrical power.
- the automated will call system may include several storage cabinets.
- one cabinet 52 is the “master” cabinet and the remaining cabinets are “auxiliaries” 52 ′.
- the master cabinet and auxiliary cabinets are in communication with the controller 12 via communication links. These links may be hard-wired connections, or optical or wireless connections, as desired.
- the master cabinet 52 comprises a plurality of user interfaces buttons 68 , as previously described.
- the auxiliary cabinets 52 ′ are the same as the master cabinet, with the exception of having a single user interface button 86 , preferably a DONE button.
- the DONE button provides indication to the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by pharmacy personnel at that cabinet.
- Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70 , the refrigerator 18 , or secure storage 20 .
- Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70 , the refrigerator 18 , or secure storage 20 .
- pharmacy personnel utilize the user interface buttons on the master storage cabinet 52 , and only use the DONE button on the auxiliary cabinet 52 ′ when a prescription is inserted in or retrieved from that auxiliary cabinet bulk storage area.
- All embodiments of the storage cabinets may include at least one high density storage location having a larger volume than the storage locations described above.
- the high density slots would reside within the carousel storage cabinet 52 , wherein an article sensor 23 senses that at least one prescription is inserted into or removed from a high density slot.
- the high density slots are for high volume prescription storage, wherein the pharmacy personnel would know that a prescription is one of many prescriptions within a large slot/bin.
- pharmacy personnel interact with the controller 12 in the same manner as in a typical retrieval.
- the controller communicates with the work flow coordinator and drive means to guide the pharmacy personnel to the proper high density slot containing the prescription to be retrieved.
- a safety sensor 88 may be attached to the cabinet 90 , including a light source 91 , a reflecting surface 92 , and at least one photo-detector 93 adjacent the light source.
- the light source 91 is oriented so as to direct a light beam 94 to strike a reflecting surface 92 on the lower edge of an opening 96 on the cabinet 90 , thereby providing a “light curtain.”
- the light beam 94 emitted from light source 91 is oriented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of the lowermost opening 96 in the cabinet.
- each light beam may be individually oriented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of each opening in the cabinet.
- the “light curtain” operates in the same manner as the article sensors 23 .
- an object e.g. a hand, interrupts the light beam 94 , preventing the light beam from reflecting off of the reflecting surface 92 and being reflected to the photo-detector 93 , a signal is sent to the drive means to stop the movement of the conveyor or carousel until the light beam is restored. Accordingly, injury to pharmacy personnel and damage to the prescription is avoided.
- pharmacies can be filled in a central location (central fill), transported to the pharmacy through any suitable logistical method, and then placed into a will call system, according to the invention.
- another embodiment of the carousel cabinet 52 comprises removable vertically stacked trays of slots 58 . Each slot is preferably pie-shaped and circumferentially offset. Each tray of slots comprises two semi-circular portions, each portion forming a tote 102 .
- the tote 102 is filled with completed prescriptions at the central fill location and transported to the pharmacy, where the storage cabinet 52 resides.
- the prescription identifying information, as well as the slot location of each filled prescription transported in the tote 102 is stored and sent to the pharmacy to be entered into the system.
- the prescription identifying information and slot location of the transported prescriptions may be entered into the controller memory by electronic transmission, such as via modem, or the prescription identifying information may be stored in a memory device and shipped with the tote 102 in the form of a bar code or read/write tag 104 disposed on the tote, a separate disk, or the like.
- the identifying data 98 on each prescription is entered into a host system, along with the slot location 58 into which the prescription was inserted.
- the identifying data on the prescription is entered through the use of a scanner.
- the identifying data is captured and stored on the memory device 104 , preferably on the tote 102 . The tote is then shipped to the pharmacy.
- pharmacy personnel Upon arrival at the pharmacy, pharmacy personnel locate an available storage cabinet 52 to accommodate the tote.
- the memory device 104 preferably disposed on the tote, is read by a scanner 74 , which sends to the controller memory all the identifying data and slot locations of the prescriptions within the tote.
- Pharmacy personnel then insert the tote 102 onto the available shelf 106 of the vertically stacked rows of slots 58 , as seen in FIG. 10 .
- the semi-circular tote rests on top of the shelf 106 and is releasably attached to the shelf by attachment means 108 .
- the carousel may be manually rotated to a position permitting insertion of the tote.
- Two semi-circular totes 102 disposed adjacent each other on a shelf form a continuous circle of slots circumferentially disposed about a central shaft 61 .
- the totes permit the transportation of central fill prescriptions to a pharmacy in batch form, and eliminate need for the insertion of individual prescriptions into the automated will call system by pharmacy personnel.
- the invention permits a self-service unit including automatic payment capabilities, similar to an automated teller machine (ATM) or an automated card reader.
- the self-service interface may include a touch screen and a finger print reader or retinal scan unit to verify the identity of patients, for control of the prescription dispensing. The patient can subsequently retrieve a prescription without relying on pharmacy personnel to do so.
- the self-service system may, although it need not, be equipped with a single door or with individually secure doors which open and close automatically and provide patient access to only the appropriate storage location or locations.
- the automated will call system may be connected to “point of sale” terminals or other host systems within a retail pharmacy setting.
- the connection may include automated signature pads, ATM capabilities, and a cash register, ensuring prompt payment and verification for the retrieved prescriptions.
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Abstract
Description
Claims (15)
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US20060273168A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
US6874684B1 (en) | 2005-04-05 |
CA2324176C (en) | 2011-01-11 |
CA2699254C (en) | 2013-12-17 |
US7093755B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 |
US7410098B2 (en) | 2008-08-12 |
CA2821505A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
US8380535B2 (en) | 2013-02-19 |
US20050098626A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
CA2699256A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
US6464142B1 (en) | 2002-10-15 |
US20110153064A1 (en) | 2011-06-23 |
US20100059585A1 (en) | 2010-03-11 |
CA2699254A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
US20070119930A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 |
US8924227B2 (en) | 2014-12-30 |
CA2324176A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
CA2699256C (en) | 2013-09-24 |
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